Jonathan Douglas struck deep into added on time to give Brentford a narrow 1-0 win over Oldham Athletic at Griffin Park on Saturday.

The win ensured new manager Mark Warburton got his reign off to a winning start and sent the Bees clear in third in the league table heading into the busy Christmas period of games.

It looked as if the home side were going to be forced to settle for a draw against  side that defended resolutely and threatened on the break several times.

Harlee Dean had an early chance for Brentford when he headed an Alan McCormack corner into the hands of Mark Oxley.

Will Grigg then picked the ball up outside of the box, but his low shot was easily saved by Oxley.

Then from another McCormack corner Clayton Donaldson's header was saved by the visiting keeper.

Oldham enjoyed the best chance of the first half when Carl Winchester broke from the half way line and despite enjoying the support of four other Latics he was superbly marshalled by Tony Craig, who eventually blocked his shot.

Adam Forshaw and Jake Bidwell combined on the left flank to set up Grigg, whose first time shot was just wide of the left hand post.

As half time approached Mike Petrasso shot wide of the right hand post, while Danny Philliskirk looked lively as he picked the ball up inside the box and shot wide of the near post.

Early in the second half Philliskirk saw his shot deflected for a corner, then James Clarke-Harris slipped as he took a free kick from the edge of the box and fired wide.

David Button was alert when he moved quickly to grab a dangerous cross from the right, just ahead of the lurking Philliskirk. Oldham continued to threaten when Korey Smith's free kick was deflected for a corner.

Donaldson saw claims for a penalty waved away after he looked to be fouled inside the box in the closing stages.

 

As the game moved into added on time the impressive substitute Sam Saunders, who had added real impetus to the home side's attacks delivered a great cross from wide on the right to the back post, where Douglas rose to nod the ball home and give his side another valuable three points.


Brentford: Button, McCormack, Dean, Craig, Bidwell; Douglas, Forshaw, Saville (El Alagui 81); Donaldson, Grigg (Trotta 66), Harris (Saunders 60).

Subs (not used): Lee, Logan, Reeves, O'Connor.

Attendance: 6594

 

Man of the Match: Tony Craig